A 22-year-old woman who died in a three-vehicle collision on the A1 in Northumberland was days away from beginning her dream job as a detective with Northumbria Police, her family has confirmed.
Erin Bennett, a criminology and psychology graduate, was killed in the crash near Felton on Sunday. Her family said their "world has been shattered beyond belief" and described her as a "caring, thoughtful, and wonderful" woman who was excited about her future.
Family's tribute to 'beautiful' woman
In a statement, her family said: "Erin Bennett was the most amazing beautiful woman and our whole world has been shattered beyond belief. Erin was not only a big sister and daughter, she was also our best friend."
"She lit up the room with her contagious smile and was loved by everyone. She was the most caring, thoughtful, wonderful woman and was so excited about her future after gaining her degree in criminology and psychology."
"She had recently got her dream job in Northumbria Police and was about to start her training to become a detective. She loved her family and was a massive part of it. Losing Erin has left a huge hole that can never be filled. Please respect our family's privacy at this awful time."
Boyfriend's tribute
Erin's boyfriend Craig added: "Erin you are the most beautiful, amazing and loveable girlfriend in the world. You lit up the room anytime you walked in with your beautiful smile and your charm."
"You were the light of my life, and I will always hold you in my heart. I love you always and forever my love."
Police appeal for information
Northumbria Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Officers are appealing for witnesses and are particularly interested in any CCTV or dashcam footage from before the collision.
Sergeant Greg Huntley, of Northumbria Police, said: "We will continue to offer the family all the support they need and would ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
"We are continuing to appeal for further information and for anyone with dashcam footage of the vehicles involved to come forward. If you were travelling in either direction on the A1 around the time of this collision, any information you are able to provide could prove important to our ongoing enquiries."
Anyone with information or footage can contact police via direct message on social media, or through live chat and report forms on the police website. Alternatively, they can telephone 101, citing reference number NP-20261018-0441.
The crash is the latest on the same stretch of road. In May and June this year, six people died on the route in three separate collisions within weeks of each other. ChronicleLive subsequently launched a campaign, Dual the A1 and save lives, calling for dualling of the A1 in Northumberland.
